GNL Zamba
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2015}}
{{Infobox musical artist
| name = GNL Zamba
| image = GNL_Zamba_1.jpg
| image_size =
| landscape =
| alt =
| caption = GNL Zamba in November 2022
| birth_name = Ernest Nsimbitulye Lupiiyazitta Zamba
| native_name =
| native_name_lang =
| alias =
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1986|1|29}}
| birth_place = Uganda
| origin =
| death_date =
| death_place =
| genre = Hip hop
| occupation = Rapper, musician, songwriter, actor
| instrument = Drums, cymbals
| years_active = 2005{{ndash}}present
| label = Baboon Forest Entertainment, nsimbi music
| associated_acts =
| website = {{URL|http://www.gnlzamba.com/}}
}}
GNL Zamba, born Ernest Nsimbi, (29 January 1986) is a Ugandan hip hop artist who is credited with bringing rap and Lugaflow, a style of music to mainstream radio and other media in Uganda.{{Cite web|url = https://www.reverbnation.com/gnlzamba/bio|title = GNL Zamba / Bio|date = |accessdate = |website = GNL Zamba / Bio|publisher = Reverbnation|last = |first = }}
His stage name, GNL, is short for "Greatness with No Limits".{{Cite web |date=2020-11-12 |title='The Spear' tells the story of chaos and peace, love and activism, past and present |url=https://www.independent.co.ug/the-spear-tells-the-story-of-chaos-and-peace-love-and-activism-past-and-present/ |access-date=2023-02-08 |website=The Independent Uganda |language=en-US}} He is the founder and CEO of the independent hip hop record label Baboon Forest Entertainment,{{Cite web |last=Iragaba |first=Apollo |date=2022-01-26 |title=7 Things You didn´t know about GNL Zamba |url=https://hardrockmedia.org/2022/01/7-things-you-didnt-know-about-gnl-zamba/ |access-date=2023-02-09 |website=Hard Rock Media |language=en-US}} which nurtures new talent in Kampala, Uganda. He is also an actor, filmmaker, and ambassador for Ugandan brands and social initiatives.{{Cite web |title=GNL Zamba lands Hollywood movie role |url=https://www.newvision.co.ug/articledetails/1422175 |access-date=2023-02-19 |website=New Vision |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Muhindo |first=Clare |title=GNL realises acting dream in hollywood – Sqoop – Get Uganda entertainment news, celebrity gossip, videos and photos |date=22 April 2016 |url=https://www.sqoop.co.ug/201604/four-one-one/gnl-realises-acting-dream-in-hollywood.html |access-date=2023-02-19 |language=en-US}}
Early life and education
GNL was born on 29 January 1986 in Mukono. His father was an electrical technician and his mother worked for Uganda Transport Company. The family later moved to Kawempe, in Kampala after the Ugandan Civil War.{{Cite web |title=GNL Zamba {{!}} Latest Songs, Videos, Artist News, Lyrics and Biography on ugamusic.ug |url=https://ugamusic.ug/bio/GNL-Zamba |access-date=2023-02-09 |website=ugamusic.ug |language=en}} in his secondary school, he was chairman of junior literature club, member of the debating team and head writer of the Kiira Mirror.
He later joined Makerere University where he graduated with honours with Bachelors in Environmental Management.
Career
= 2005–2010 =
In 2005, GNL started his journey in the entertainment industry in Uganda{{Cite web |last=Eupal |first=Felix |date=3 March 2013 |title=GNL proves hip hop still needs his healing |url=https://www.observer.ug/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=23980:gnl-proves-hip-hop-still-needs-his-healing&catid=73:highlights&Itemid=70 |access-date=2023-02-09 |website=The Observer - Uganda |language=en-gb |archive-date=9 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230209054219/https://www.observer.ug/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=23980:gnl-proves-hip-hop-still-needs-his-healing&catid=73:highlights&Itemid=70 |url-status=dead }} when he was part of the Hip Hop Canvas which was a project organised by Platinum Entertainment's Shadrak Kuteesa, aiming to empower the youth to express themselves.{{Cite web |last=Abeka |first=Moses |date=2016-07-13 |title=Leading Ugandan hip-hop artists inspire youth at two-week workshop |url=https://www.musicinafrica.net/magazine/leading-ugandan-hip-hop-artists-inspire-youth-two-week-workshop |access-date=2023-02-09 |website=Music In Africa |language=en}} In this project he, together with other artists recorded the award winning song, Mother Africa.
In 2007, he made his debut in the Ugandan musical scene with the song, Soda Jinjale, which is a play on the drink, Soda & Ginger Ale. The song propelled GNL from an underground emcee to a renowned Hip Hop artist bringing a new sound to the genre, that he called Lugaflow (Luganda Flow) {{Cite web |last=Emukule |first=Francis |date=18 November 2022 |title=Ugandan Producers Killing GNL's Inspiration |url=https://www.newvision.co.ug/category/news/ugandan-producers-killing-gnls-inspiration-147770 |access-date=9 February 2023 |website=New Vision}}.
In February 2009, he performed at the WAPI British Council Initiative and later that month at the Sauti Za Busara in Zanzibar. In April, he performed at the Selam International Music Festival in Ethiopia. In June, GNL performed at the Kwita Izina Gorilla Naming Ceremony in Rwanda and in August, he performed his first concert with the release of his album, Koyi Koyi, comprising eight number one singles which was praised for bridging the gap between traditional and contemporary sound.{{Cite web |last=Ssejjengo |first=Emmanuel |date=23 August 2009 |title=GNL Zamba lives up to the hype |url=https://www.newvision.co.ug/articledetails/1207027 |access-date=2023-02-09 |website=New Vision |language=en}} In September, GNL performed at the Dubai Concerts in the United Arab Emirates and in October, he performed at the Stratford Rex, East London in the United Kingdom.
In September 2010, he performed at the 'We Love Africa Music Festival' in Denmark.
= 2011–2020 =
In November 2011, GNL returned to United Arab Emirates for the Dubai Concerts and also performed at the 23rd UNAA convention.{{Cite web |title=UNAA Convention 2011 {{!}} Welcome to the Ugandan Diaspora News Online |url=http://www.ugandandiasporanews.com/ugandan-diaspora/unaa-convention-2011/ |access-date=2023-02-09 |website=www.ugandandiasporanews.com |archive-date=9 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230209084846/http://www.ugandandiasporanews.com/ugandan-diaspora/unaa-convention-2011/ |url-status=dead }}
In September 2012, he performed at the Selam African Music Festival in Sweden and at GNL Zamba Live in Norway.
In April 2014, GNL had VIP concerts in Durban, Port Elizabeth and Cape Town in South Africa.
GNL then relocated to United States{{Cite web |last=N |first=Gloria |date=18 June 2020 |title=G.N.L Zamba Narrates Details of His Life in the US after Relocating from Uganda ⚜ Latest music news online |url=https://mdundo.com/news/22088 |access-date=2023-02-09 |website=mdundo.com |language=en}}
In April 2016, GNL got his first acting career role alongside Darren Lee Campbell{{Cite web |last=Kushaba |first=Duncan |date=15 April 2016 |title=GNL Zamba lands Hollywood movie role |url=https://www.newvision.co.ug/articledetails/1422175 |access-date=2023-02-08 |website=New Vision |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Najib |first=Mulema |date=2017-02-27 |title=GNL Zamba;From music to poetry |url=https://www.watchdoguganda.com/entertainment/showbiz/20170227/14318/gnl-zambafrom-music-to-poetry.html |access-date=2023-02-08 |website=Watchdog Uganda |language=en-GB}}
GNL became one of the radio hosts of Coke Studio Radio Hour, which was a program that was part of Coke Studio Africa in August 2017.{{Cite web |last=Jonathan |first=Kyeyune Andrew |date=2017-08-18 |title=GNL Zamba In Coke Studio Africa As A Host For Coke Studio Radio Hour |url=https://newslexpoint.com/gnl-coke-studio/ |access-date=2023-02-09 |website=Newslex Point |language=en-US}}
In June 2019, his works were nominated at the 17th Independent Music Awards in New York City. These were Best Debut Album (Nsimbi), Best World Beat Song (Leo Ni Leo), Best Narrative Music Video (Dunia Ni Matenbezi) and Best Spoken Word (Acholi Boy).{{Cite web |last=Atiluk |first=Nathan |date=18 June 2019 |title=GNL Zamba making waves in USA |url=https://observer.ug/lifestyle/61050-gnl-zamba-making-waves-in-usa |access-date=2023-02-09 |website=The Observer - Uganda |language=en-gb}} Leo Ni Leo won the Best World Beat song.{{Cite web |title=The 17th Independent Music Awards Winners |url=https://independentmusicawards.com/the-17th-independent-music-awards-winners/ |access-date=2023-02-09 |website=Independent Music Awards |language=en-US}}
In February 2020, he held a lecture in the history of Hip Hop to the music students of Kyambogo University.{{Cite web |last=Suipauthor |first=Pius Twinomugisa |date=2020-02-20 |title=Rapper GNL Zamba Lecturing at Kyambogo University |url=https://campusbee.ug/news/rapper-gnl-zamba-lecturing-at-kyambogo-university/ |access-date=2023-02-08 |website=Campus Bee |language=en-US}} In July of the same year, GNL, through his record label, Baboon Forest Entertainment, created the "Dear Hip Hop" challenge whose objective was to empower youth through the arts. The eventual winner was Ivan Kaweesa.{{Cite web |last=Kitimbo |first=Pearl Elisabeth |date=2020-07-21 |title=Ivan Kaweesa Emerges Winner of 'GNL Dear Hip Hop Challenge' |url=https://chimpreports.com/ivan-kaweesa-emerges-winner-of-gnl-dear-hip-hop-challenge/ |access-date=2023-02-09 |website=ChimpReports |language=en-US}}
= 2021–present =
In February 2021, GNL returned to Uganda from the USA{{Cite web |last=Kaxibwe |first=Gibert |date=2021-03-05 |title=GNL's return only makes HipHop stronger-Navio |url=https://www.pmldaily.com/features/2021/03/gnls-return-only-makes-hiphop-stronger-navio.html |access-date=2023-02-09 |website=PML Daily |language=en-US}} and in December, he performed in the third edition of the online Tusker Malt Conversessions.{{Cite news |last=Katungulu |first=Amon |date=2021-12-09 |title=GNL Zamba takes fans down memory lane in nostalgic Tusker Malt Conversessions edition |language=en-US |work=Nile Post |url=https://nilepost.co.ug/2021/12/09/gnl-zamba-takes-fans-down-memory-lane-in-nostalgic-tusker-malt-conversessions-edition/ |access-date=2023-02-08}}
Music style
GNL provides his lyrics in both Luganda and English. He sings in urban Ugandan hip hop style called Lugaflow.{{cite web |date= |title=Gnl Zamba Uganda Celebrities | Artists |url=http://www.hipipo.com/people/6/Gnl-zamba |accessdate=2015-03-13 |publisher=Hipipo.com |archive-date=16 August 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160816184332/http://www.hipipo.com/people/6/GNL-ZAMBA |url-status=dead }} Lugaflow is rap in Luganda, the indigenous language in Uganda's Central Region. Since the late 2000s, Lugaflow has inspired a new generation of Ugandan rappers to create popular music in their native language.
His musical style was influenced by poets Gil Scott-Heron and Mbuli, Afrocentric musical artists like Eddy Grant and Fela Kuti and hiphop stars like Jay-Z, Nas and Ice Cube.{{Cite web |title=GNL Zamba |url=https://kipepeoagency.com/gnlzamba |access-date=2023-02-08 |website=Kipepeo Agency |language=en-US}}
Social campaigns
GNL participated in Friend A Gorilla, an Oxfam-sponsored campaign about environmental education with the Uganda Wildlife Authority.{{Cite web|title = GNL ZAMBA'S LECTURE @ HIPHOP BOOT CAMP,... - Youth & Hip Hop Uganda {{!}} Facebook|url = https://www.facebook.com/YouthHiphopUganda/posts/927914583940387:0|website = www.facebook.com|accessdate = 2015-11-10}} His song "Story ya Luka" was selected by the Uganda Ministry of Health to headline a 2010 AIDS youth education campaign.{{Cite web|title = Kisenyi dances to safer sex, 20,000 condoms given out|url = http://www.newvision.co.ug/news/662285-kisenyi-dances-to-safer-sex-20-000-condoms-given-out.html|website = www.newvision.co.ug|accessdate = 2015-11-10}}
His video collaboration for "True Manhood" with Young Empowered And Healthy (YEAH){{Cite web|title = Young Empowered and Healthy|url = http://yeah.cdfuug.co.ug/|website = yeah.cdfuug.co.ug|accessdate = 2015-11-10|archive-date = 22 April 2016|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160422104052/http://yeah.cdfuug.co.ug/|url-status = dead}} Uganda encouraged Ugandan youth to use condoms, and it won the People's Choice Digital Media Award at the 2011 International Entertainment Education Conference.{{Cite web|title = YEAH launches True Manhood Campaign « Young Empowered and Healthy|url = http://yeah.cdfuug.co.ug/true-manhood-hiv-campaign/yeah-launches-true-manhood-campaign.html|website = yeah.cdfuug.co.ug|accessdate = 2015-11-10|archive-date = 5 March 2016|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160305022416/http://yeah.cdfuug.co.ug/true-manhood-hiv-campaign/yeah-launches-true-manhood-campaign.html|url-status = dead}}
Over a three-year period, GNL worked with Buzz Teenies to tour Ugandan schools, offering youth mentorship, encouraging social unity and staying in school.{{Cite web|title = Buzz Group Africa|url = http://www.buzzgroupafrica.com/|website = www.buzzgroupafrica.com|accessdate = 2015-11-10}}
Since 2013, GNL has partnered with Reach A Hand Foundation Uganda to participate in a series of youth edutainment campaigns.{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=September 15, 2014 |title=Calls for youth-friendly services in health facilities |url=http://www.newvision.co.ug/news/659751-calls-for-youth-friendly-services-in-health-facilities.html |accessdate= |website=Calls for youth-friendly services in health facilities |publisher=New Vision: Uganda's Leading Daily}}
In 2014, the Twaweza Initiative awarded GNL for the positive social impact of his song "We Cry", which speaks about street violence and safe sex.{{Cite web|title = Twaweza recognises artistes with real talent|url = http://observer.ug/lifestyle/entertainment/29946--twaweza-recognises-artistes-with-real-talent|website = observer.ug|accessdate = 2015-11-10|archive-date = 28 November 2022|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20221128205430/https://observer.ug/lifestyle/entertainment/29946--twaweza-recognises-artistes-with-real-talent|url-status = dead}} He has been invited to lecture at Makerere University's College of Humanities on oral literature and ethnology.{{Cite web|title = Its GNL Time|url = http://www.newvision.co.ug/D/9/38/691862|website = www.newvision.co.ug|accessdate = 2015-11-10}}
In June 2020, GNL together with his wife Miriam Tamar, joined the George Floyd protests in the USA.{{Cite web |last=P |first=Pius |date=5 June 2020 |title=Ugandan Rapper GNL Zamba Joins the US George Floyd Protesters. |url=https://ekyooto.co.uk/2020/06/05/ugandan-rapper-gnl-zamba-joins-the-us-george-floyd-protesters/ |access-date=2023-02-09 |website=Ekyooto Uganda |language=en-US}}
Personal life
Through the success of his music career, GNL was able to open a sports bar and bought land around Uganda.{{Cite web|title = GNL's Zamunda to open soon|url = http://www.newvision.co.ug/D/9/40/763774|website = www.newvision.co.ug|accessdate = 2015-11-11}}
GNL Zamba wedded his wife, on 29 April 2018 at Cielo Farms Vineyard, Malibu, California.{{Cite web |last=Ray |first=Lee |date=2022-01-26 |title=GNL Zamba, Wife Tamar Shows Off Multi-Billion Investment {{!}} PHOTOS |url=https://www.routineblast.com/gnl-zamba-wife-tamar-shows-off-multi-billion-investment-photos/ |access-date=2023-02-08 |website=Routine Blast : Gossip, Showbiz, Breaking News in Uganda |language=en-US}} Together with his wife, who is also a musical artist, they formed a musical group called Nsimbi.{{Cite web |last=Ninsiima |first=Julian |date=2018-10-18 |title=Uganda's Hollywood star GNL Zamba weds white woman |url=https://www.pmldaily.com/features/celebrity/2018/10/ugandas-hollywood-star-gnl-zamba-weds-white-woman.html |access-date=2023-02-08 |website=PML Daily |language=en-US}}
In 2020, Zamba and his wife decided to return to Uganda to settle. he has a new born baby
Awards and nominations
| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="width: 100%;" |
| style="background:#ccc; text-align:center;"
! scope="col" | Award/organization ! scope="col" | Year ! scope="col" | Nominee/work ! scope="col" | Category ! scope="col" | Result ! scope="col" class="unsortable" | {{Abbr|Ref.|Reference(s)}} |
| scope="row" | Pearl of Africa Music Awards
| 2005 | | Best Hip Hop Single |{{won}} | align="center" | |
|---|
| scope="row" | Uganda Buzz Music Awards
| rowspan=4|2009 | GNL Zamba | Best Male Artist |{{nominated}} | align="center" | |
| scope="row" | Pearl of Africa Music Awards
| | Best Single |{{nominated}} | align="center" | |
| scope="row" | Press Association Awards
| GNL Zamba | Artist of the year |{{won}} | align="center" | {{Cite web|title = GNL scoops maiden Arts Press Association award|url = http://www.newvision.co.ug/D/9/34/687668|website = www.newvision.co.ug|accessdate = 2015-11-10}} |
| scope="row" | Pearl of Africa Music Awards
| | Best Hip hop single |{{won}} | align="center" | |
| scope="row" | Kisima Awards, Kenya
| rowspan=9|2010 | GNL Zamba | Best Hip Hop Artist |{{nominated}} | align="center" | |
| scope="row" | Kisima Awards, Kenya
| | Best single |{{nominated}} | align="center" | |
| scope="row" | Uganda Buzz Music Awards
| | Song of the year |{{Nominated}} | align="center" | |
| scope="row" | Pearl of Africa Music Awards
| | Best single |{{Nominated}} | align="center" | |
| scope="row" | Pearl of Africa Music Awards
| | Best Group |{{Nominated}} | align="center" | |
| scope="row" | Uganda Buzz Music Awards
| GNL Zamba | Best male artist |{{Nominated}} | align="center" | |
| scope="row" | Uganda Buzz Music Awards
| GNL Zamba | Artist of the year |{{Nominated}} | align="center" | |
| scope="row" | Uganda Buzz Music Awards
| GNL Zamba | Best hood rapper |{{won}} | align="center" | |
| scope="row" | Pearl of Africa Music Awards
| | Best Hip Hop single |{{won}} |
| scope="row" | Uganda Buzz Music Awards
| rowspan=6|2011 | GNL Zamba | Artist of the year |{{Nominated}} | align="center" | |
| scope="row" | Pearl of Africa Music Awards
| GNL Zamba | Best male artist |{{Nominated}} | align="center" | |
| scope="row" | Pearl of Africa Music Awards
| | Best single |{{Nominated}} | align="center" | |
| scope="row" | Pearl of Africa Music Awards
| | Best Hip Hop single |{{Won}} | align="center" | |
| scope="row" | International Education Conference
| GNL Zamba | People's choice digital media |{{Won}} | align="center" | |
| scope="row" | Uganda Buzz Music Awards
| Baboon Forest | Hottest group |{{Won}} |
| scope="row" | Kandanke Awards
|rowspan=3| 2012 | GNL Zamba | Artist of the year |{{Nominated}} | align="center" | |
| scope="row" | Uganda Buzz Music Awards
| | Best Hip Hop single |{{Nominated}} | align="center" | |
| scope="row" | Uganda Buzz Music Awards
| GNL Zamba | Best male artist |{{Won}} | align="center" | |
| scope="row" | Kandanke Awards
|rowspan=8| 2013 | | Best Hip Hop single |{{Nominated}} | align="center" | |
| scope="row" | Kandanke Awards
| GNL Zamba | Best male artist |{{Nominated}} | align="center" | |
| scope="row" | Kandanke Awards
| GNL Zamba | Artist of the year |{{Nominated}} | align="center" | |
| scope="row" | Kadanke Awards
| | Best Hip Hop single |{{Won}} | align="center" | |
| scope="row" | Kadanke Awards
| | Best group |{{Won}} | align="center" | |
| scope="row" | Club Music Video Awards
| | Best male video of the year |{{Won}} |
| scope="row" | Club Music Video Awards
| | Video of the year |{{Won}} | align="center" | |
| scope="row" | Uganda Buzz Music Awards
| | Best group |{{won}} | align="center" | |
| scope="row" | Rising Star Awards
| rowspan=4|2014 | GNL Zamba | Best Hip Hop artist |{{Nominated}} | align="center" | |
| scope="row" | Hipipo Awards
| GNL Zamba | Best Hip Hop artist |{{Nominated}} | align="center" | |
| scope="row" | Zina Awards
| | Best Hip Hop single |{{Nominated}} | align="center" | |
| scope="row" | Twaweza
| GNL Zmba | Best Social Impact Through The Arts Award |{{Won}} | align="center" | |
| scope="row" | 256 Hip-Hop Awards
| rowspan=5|2019 | | African rapper of the year |{{Won}} | align="center" | |
| scope="row" | Independent Music Awards
| Nsimbi | Best Debut Album |{{Nominated}} | align="center" | |
| scope="row" | Independent Music Awards
| Leo Ni Leo | Best World Beat Song |{{Won}} | align="center" | |
| scope="row" | Independent Music Awards
| Dunia Ni Matembezi | Best Narrative Music Video |{{Nominated}} | align="center" | |
| scope="row" | Independent Music Awards
| Acholi Boy | Best Spoken Word |{{Nominated}} | align="center" | |
Discography
- Koyi Koyi (Riddles of Life), 2009{{Cite web|title = GNL ZAMBA {{!}} Music Videos, News, Photos, Tour Dates {{!}} MTV|url = http://www.mtv.com/artists/gnl-zamba/|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160514052735/http://www.mtv.com/artists/gnl-zamba/|url-status = dead|archive-date = 14 May 2016|website = MTV Artists|accessdate = 2015-11-10}}
- Speaking Vernacular, 2011{{Cite web|title = GNL Zamba- Speaking vernacular|url = http://www.newvision.co.ug/D/9/507/746900|website = www.newvision.co.ug|accessdate = 2015-11-10}}
- The Renaissance / Uganda Yaffe, 2013{{Cite web|title = GNL Braces For Renaissance Album Launch {{!}} ChimpReports|url = http://chimpreports.com/entertainment/13356-gnl-braces-for-renaissance-album-launch|website = chimpreports.com| date=8 October 2013 |accessdate = 2015-11-10}}
- I Am Zamba / Ceazar, 2014{{Cite web|title = THE GNL CEAZAR CONCERT 2014 {{!}} Facebook|url = https://www.facebook.com/events/1484906431722906/|website = www.facebook.com|accessdate = 2015-11-10}}
- Dreaming in Colour (in production 2016){{Cite web|title = GNL Zamba Talks About His Upcoming Album Dreaming In Color - Chano8|url = http://chano8.com/gnl-zamba-talks-about-his-upcoming-album-dreaming-in-color/|website = Chano8|accessdate = 2015-11-10|language = en-US|archive-date = 11 June 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150611201835/http://chano8.com/gnl-zamba-talks-about-his-upcoming-album-dreaming-in-color/|url-status = dead}}
- The Spear (2020)
{{notelist|30em}}
External links
- {{Facebook|id = GNL-ZAMBA-31820843030}}